WITH the borough's three Ryman clubs already knocked out of the FA Cup, the borough banner is flown by Thurrock in the competition this weekend.
Hakan Hayrettin's side have just produced two Blue Square South wins to climb off the bottom of the table and it is with some regret that the manager leaves league action for the cup.
"I would have liked to have continued our league run after two wins, but you can't pick and choose," said the boss who knows he can't afford to underestimate Ryman Division One Ware.
In the borough attention focusses on two attractive matches.
Grays will be trying to recitfy their poor home form against Stevenage Borough and former boss Mark Stimson in the Blue Square Premier.
Controversy surrounding the sending off of Jamie Stuart made last Saturday's defeat by York even harder to bear and the club are waiting to see what further consequences follow the breaking of Chris Beardsley's jaw.
However, Grays were the better side at Rushden and Diamonds in midweek and probably deserved more than their draw.
Across the A13, Aveley will play host to Canvey Island in the Ryman Division One.
Manager Dave Spittle will have to toughen up his side's resolves after throwing away two goal leads in two of their last three matches, but there will have been enough in Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at Maldon to give him some confidence.
East Thurrock, having topped the Ryman Premier early in the season, have slipped since but will be looking to stop the rot in a rearranged match at Hastings.
Saturday, September 29. 3pm.
FA Cup Second Qual Round
Ware v Thurrock
Blue Square Premier
Grays Athletic v Stevenage Borough
Ryman Premier League
Hastings United v East Thurrock United
Ryman Division One North
Aveley v Canvey Island
Tuesday, October 2. 7.45pm
Setanta Shield
Cambridge City v Thurrock
Ryman League Cup Second Round
AFC Hornchurch v Tilbury
Dartford v Aveley Margate v East Thurrock United
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